2023’s Hottest Makeup Trends: What’s In and What’s Out

The beauty industry is perpetually evolving, with trends shifting yearly, influenced by social media, celebrity culture, and global events. As we step into 2023, it’s imperative to highlight the hottest makeup trends dominating the scene and those that might be falling out of favor. This article will dissect these trends, focusing on what’s making waves and what beauty enthusiasts are leaving behind.

Understanding the 2023 Makeup Landscape

Before diving into specific trends, it’s crucial to understand the broader context of makeup in 2023. Influenced by a post-pandemic world, there is a noticeable shift towards inclusivity, sustainability, and self-expression in the beauty realm. There’s a growing demand for products that cater to diverse skin tones and types while also prioritizing eco-friendliness. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram continue to shape trends rapidly, allowing new looks to emerge almost overnight.

What’s In: The Hottest Makeup Trends of 2023

1. Clean Beauty

The clean beauty movement is not merely a trend but an ongoing shift towards more natural, non-toxic ingredients in makeup products. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of what they apply to their skin, preferring formulations free of harmful chemicals. Brands like ILIA and RMS Beauty are at the forefront, providing products that blend performance with purity.

Modern clean beauty doesn’t compromise on aesthetics or effectiveness. In 2023, expect more brands to highlight transparency in sourcing and formulation, catering to consumers who want to make more conscious purchasing decisions.

2. Skinimalism

Less is more: this mantra captures the essence of skinimalism, where the focus is on minimal makeup that enhances natural beauty rather than masking it. This trend emphasizes skincare as the foundation of any makeup routine, leading to a significant rise in tinted moisturizers, lightweight foundations, and multi-use products.

Makeup artists are opting for sheer formulas that highlight the skin’s natural texture and glow. This shift aligns with the ongoing trend toward healthier skin, as individuals invest more in skincare routines to achieve a radiant complexion that requires less makeup.

3. Bold Colors and Experimental Looks

While subtlety has its charm, 2023 is seeing a resurgence in bold colors and experimental makeup. Bright, vivid shades dominate the eyes, lips, and cheeks, reflecting a desire for self-expression and creativity. Neon eyeliners and colorful eyeshadows are becoming staples in beauty routines, influenced by artists and influencers showcasing unconventional looks online.

Additionally, there’s a trend toward mismatched colors, where makeup lovers intentionally create contrasts for a playful effect. Expect to see more striking combinations, like blue eyeliner paired with purple eyeshadow, showcasing individuality.

4. Glowy Complexions

Dewy, luminous skin continues to reign supreme. Highlighters, illuminating primers, and facial mists are essential in creating that coveted glow. Skincare-infused makeup products are on the rise, as consumers seek a more natural radiance that enhances their features without appearing overly made up.

In 2023, the focus is on achieving a youthful, fresh look, reminiscent of a post-workout flush or a day spent in the sun. Products with a light-reflecting quality are being favored, further securing glowy skin as a major trend.

5. Graphic Eyeliner

Graphic eyeliner has emerged as a compelling statement trend in 2023. From geometric shapes to unique winged designs, this trend allows for artistic expression that goes beyond traditional eyeliner usage. Influencers and makeup artists alike are experimenting with different techniques, colors, and styles, pushing creative boundaries.

This trend encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones, utilizing eyeliner as a medium for creativity rather than just a tool for precision. Various colors and finishes add even more versatility, allowing makeup wearers to express their unique personalities.

6. Sustainable Packaging

As consumers become more eco-conscious, brands are responding with sustainable packaging solutions. In 2023, many companies prioritize eco-friendly materials, refillable containers, and reduced waste in their product lines. This trend aligns with the growing movement towards responsible consumption.

Makeup companies are also emphasizing their commitment to sustainability by using biodegradable materials and minimizing single-use plastics, appealing to a clientele focused on making environmentally sound decisions.

7. Natural Brows

Over the years, the trend of sculpted brows has seen its ups and downs, but in 2023, natural brows are firmly back in style. The focus is on enhancing the natural shape and texture of brows rather than reshaping them entirely. Products like brow gels or tinted pomades that provide a feathery look are gaining popularity.

This trend underscores an appreciation for authenticity and personal style, moving away from the overly polished brow looks that once dominated the scene.

What’s Out: Trends Losing Their Shine

While it’s essential to recognize what’s thriving in 2023, it’s equally important to note the trends that are fading. Here are some styles and products that are becoming less popular:

1. Over-the-Top Contouring

For years, heavy contouring ruled the makeup world, with many beauty aficionados relying on multiple products and techniques to carve out their cheekbones and jawlines. However, the tide is turning as individuals are now favoring more natural looks that don’t rely on heavy makeup.

The 2023 trend shifts towards subtle bronzing and highlighting, focusing on enhancing natural features rather than altering them dramatically. This change aligns seamlessly with the skinimalism movement, where the goal is to achieve a softer appearance.

2. Matte Foundations

While matte foundations have historically been a go-to for a flawless finish, 2023 is leaning more towards luminous, dewy finishes. The demand for breathable, light formulas means that matte foundations are being sidelined in favor of products that emphasize hydration and a glow.

As consumers gravitate towards skin-friendly formulations, matte foundations are likely to see a decline.

3. Excessive False Lashes

Though they served a purpose in creating dramatic eye looks, the trend of excessive false lashes is slowly fading. In 2023, the emphasis is on volumized, natural-looking lashes, achieved with innovative mascaras or lightweight lash extensions.

The rationale behind this trend shift is to keep makeup looks grounded and relatable, allowing for versatility in both everyday and event-specific makeup.

4. Overly Plucked Eyebrows

The 90s trend of excessively plucked brows has been on its way out for some time, and 2023 is seeing the final stages of this phase. With natural brows back in style, many are embracing their full brow shape, focusing on care and maintenance instead of over-plucking.

This trend symbolizes a broader societal shift toward acceptance of natural beauty and diversity in beauty standards.

5. Heavy Lip Contouring

The days of extreme lip contouring with two or three different shades are coming to a close. The trend in 2023 focuses on a more understated approach to lip makeup, with a preference for monochromatic shades or soft ombre effects.

This evolution encourages a more authentic appearance while celebrating diverse lip shapes and sizes, moving away from the idealization of exaggerated volumes.

Conclusion

As we navigate through 2023, the landscape of makeup trends reflects a deeper cultural shift towards authenticity, sustainability, and self-expression. Whether through clean beauty products or eye-catching graphic liner, the emphasis on individual preferences and values has never been stronger. While some trends, like matte foundations and excessive contouring, fade away, they are replaced by a newfound appreciation for natural beauty and artistry.

For beauty enthusiasts, the key takeaway is to explore these trends while remaining true to oneself. After all, makeup should be about enhancing one’s individual beauty, not conforming to external standards. As we embrace these changes, let’s look forward to a future where makeup serves as a genuine form of expression rather than a societal expectation.

Footnotes

1. ILIA Beauty. (2023). The Rise of Clean Beauty: A Look into the Future. Clean Beauty Insights.
2. Vogue. (2023). Skinimalism: The Minimalist Approach to Makeup. Vogue Trends.
3. Harper’s Bazaar. (2023). A Bright Future: The Bold Color Makeup Trend. Color Trends.
4. Allure. (2023). Glow Up: The Path to Dewy Skin. Dewy Complexions.
5. Refinery29. (2023). Graphic Eyeliner: The Art of Expression. Graphic Eyeliner.
6. Eco Warrior Princess. (2023). The Importance of Sustainable Packaging in Beauty. Sustainable Beauty.
7. The Gloss. (2023). Natural Brows Are Back: A New Era of Eyebrow Trends. Natural Brows Trends.
8. Beauty Insider. (2023). The Decline of Excessive Contouring. Contouring Trends.
9. PopSugar. (2023). The Shift from Matte Foundations to Dewy Finishes. Foundation Trends.
10. Bustle. (2023). The End of Over-the-Top False Eyelashes. Eyelash Trends.